How low can the blood pressure be reduced in elderly population?

How low can the blood pressure be reduced in elderly population?

Population in elderly group is on the increase worldwide. In trying to reduce systolic pressure, will the diastolic pressure be reduced and compromise perfusion? This is an important concern in treating isolated systolic hypertension, especially in the elderly. Aggressive reduction of blood pressure may make the elderly quite symptomatic and cause poor compliance. So the aim should be to bring down the blood pressure as much as tolerated by the elderly. Only 20-25% of the elderly achieve good control to target levels. It may not be possible to reduce the blood pressure below 140 mm Hg in elderly. A reduction of 20 mm Hg from the baseline levels may also be useful. There is also a question of whether a widening of pulse pressure increases the target organ damage. Some have the view that reducing the pulse pressure also reduces the target organ damage.